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African Sunrise

The time is flying, but there has been so much happen.  We are seeing God move in areas and sensing His leading in others.  We are so thankful for God's leadership as we serve here!  We are seeing Him rise in areas, and looking forward to the full light of day.  Here are some quick updates on what's going on here in Nairobi!

Somali ladies in a clean area of Eastleigh

Jim has been helping cover a story here in a part of Nairobi called Eastleigh.  It is known as a place where Somali refugees congregate.  They are still compiling and working on the project, but last week was a daily draining experience for their team being on the ground there.  It is such a heartbreaking issue - thousands roaming trash laden streets in clothing showing their beliefs in their god. Ramadan is in full swing, fasting and prayers during the day are being participated in, and they have no idea that their future is much more dark than their present.  They passed one large group watching two arguing.  It turned out that one was posing as a Christian - and they were making fun of him and attacking his beliefs.  The crowd was there watching - and learning.  Mocking Christ . . . one day, scriptures promise, every knee will bow.  May it be sooner for some of these that have been blinded by these teachings!

Leslie

Leslie, a friend from TN, recently graduated from Union University.  She has been involved in missions and wanted to come and spend some time as she explores what God has for her future.  We had a wonderful time showing her some of our work, letting her see how a crazy family like ours really lives here, and just sharing together.  It is so exciting seeing people put their lives at the Lord's feet and asking for His leadership.

Hilary & Karlie loving the cheap Nairobi flowers!

 We also have two others here working with the media team with Hands On for 4 months.  Hilary and Karlie are doing a great job.  It keeps us on our toes and feeling younger when we hang out with these young people.  It is so encouraging seeing them making choices to serve the Lord right where they are in their lives.  It is such a blessing!  (Karlie took many of these pictures that I snatched from her Facebook page.  I must give credit when due!)

We have made some changes in our focus with the street kids ministry.  We will now be working with our church here - Ridgeways.  We will be focusing on gathering more often than in the mornings - to create more relationships - and praying for many more to find ways to leave the streets.  Pray with us that the Lord will bless us with continued discernment as we move forward in these areas.

Slum housing

Mji wa Huruma is the name of a slum that many of you may have heard of before if you have been following our ministry.  We have begun our work there again.  Yesterday we met with a group of ladies - from young 20s to 40s.  Out of the group of 10 to 12 - there were over 40 children that they were responsible for.  Many of them have turned to prostitution to just be able to feed their children a simple meal.  This would be a meal that would be less than many of you feed your pets.  They are asking God for help to improve their situation.  Will you pray with us to have discernment to know how to help them to "learn to fish" for their family?  It is a very hardened and dark area where there is open witchcraft, drunkenness and drug use (they make their own alcoholic beverages), and just very deep poverty.  There are no school fees, uniforms for school or money for any of that.  The 7 to 12 dollars for their rent per month in the slum and money for those basic meals are made by exposing them - as moms - to HIV and all the rest.  God promises to provide the basic necessities for His children - and many of these ladies are claiming to be believers.  What would I do - if my kids were having nothing to eat - to keep a basic piece of scrap metal between them and the rain?  I do not know.   I am asking for God to provide a way for them.

The girls have started back to school, and are doing well.  I am so amazed that I no longer have anyone in Elementary school!

Jim and I are doing well also - but very busy.  I am still working on my degree in Biblical Counseling from Liberty University.  It has been a challenge working everything in at times.  My promise to myself is that I will not neglect God's work here or my family.  That has made for late nights and early mornings as I finish work, but am very thankful for each week that is behind me.  God has given me the energy and clarity to continue this far!

Thank you guys for praying, for the encouraging notes that have come, and for supporting us in the work God has called us to here!  He works through the prayers of His people - so thanks for joining hands with us here!  We are but dirt - and it is such a blessing to be "dressed up" in Him and be used to glorify Him in this place.  So often I feel "who am I to do this thing???"  It is only by His help and leadership.

Be blessed!